American born defenceman Duggie ‘Don’ Lagrone is the latest signing made today by Nottingham Panthers as the new look roster continues to build with quality additions ahead of the 2022/23 Premier Sports Elite League season.

Lagrone joins the Panthers from the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers where he contributed 32 points (10 goals and 22 assists) in 72 games from the blue line during his first full season in the coast.

Before moving to Tulsa, Duggie played in the SPHL with the Pensacola Ice Flyers, an organisation Head Coach Gary Graham is very familiar with, where he won the SPHL Championship in 2020/21. Prior to that, he gained experience in Europe when he iced for French side Chambery in 2019/20.

The Texas born right hander now 28 started out at Dallas Ice Jets as an under sixteen in 2010 before moving to Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL. In 2012 Lagrone joined NAHL side Fairbanks Ice Dogs where he played for two seasons before representing Colorado Collage in the NCAA. After stepping down to NCAAIII with SUNY-Genesao he moved to Utah Grizzlies before Allen Americans in the ECHL which followed his single season in France.

Head Coach Gary Graham spoke to panthers.co.uk about adding Duggie to his roster for the 2022/23 season, stating “Duggie is a really exciting defenceman who sees the ice so well and possesses some great offensive instincts.

“He’s a young player with a bright future and I can’t wait to work with him this season and help him unlock his potential.

“I can’t wait for the fans to see what Duggie can bring to our team this season.”

Lagrone joins fellow American’s J.C. Brassard, Tanner Sorensen, Jack Berry and Craig Puffer in the Panthers roster ahead of the season which is taking shape under Graham.

The first pre-season game on Saturday 27th August at the Motorpoint Arena against Sheffield Steelers.

*Main image @PanthersIHC Don Lagrone will bolster the Panthers defence this coming season.